Mar 28, 2024  
2021 - 2022 Catalog 
    
2021 - 2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Transfer Programs and Procedures


Transfer and Career Education Articulations  | Program Mission and Definition  | Validation Procedures  

Delta College offers three Associate degrees which provide you with the foundation to transfer to a Baccalaureate granting college or university:

  • Associate of Arts  (AA 40000)
  • Associate of Science  (AS 40000)
  • Associate of Fine Arts  (AFA 40380)

The requirement for the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degrees are listed in Graduation Requirements , while the requirements for the Associate of Fine Arts degree can be found in Transfer, Validation, and Program Overview .  An application for an associate or dual degree and/or certificate with the Registrar's Office by at least 3 months prior to expected graduation.  Delta College reserves the right to modify graduation requirements.

Transfer programs can be individually developed with a Delta Counselor/Advisor . Also, with the addition of some courses, almost any Delta College Career Education Associate in Business Studies Degree, Associate in Applied Science Degree, or Associate in Applied Arts Degree may be utilized in part toward fulfilling a portion of a Baccalaureate degree. Transferability of these career education programs and courses depends primarily upon the major area of study in the Baccalaureate degree and the senior school of choice.

Transfer Mission Statement

To facilitate a seamless transition of students and course credits toward degree completion, Delta College is committed to providing academic programs, support services and formal articulation processes for students transferring to or from other accredited institutions.

Delta College is an excellent choice for students planning to earn an Associate degree. While enrolled at Delta in a transfer degree program, you will enjoy these benefits:

  • A campus that is convenient to your home and job.
  • Costs that are well below four-year colleges and universities.
  • Classes that are small and interactive.
  • Faculty who are sincerely concerned about your success and available to provide individual assistance.
  • Personal student services and academic advising that will support your career decision-making and educational needs.
  • Transfer courses that are recognized by respected colleges and universities throughout the United States.
  • Time to establish firm career goals and adjust to college-level studies.
  • Opportunity to refine your academic abilities and improve reading, composition, mathematics and study skills if needed.

Delta’s Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Fine Arts Degree Programs provide you with a solid academic foundation required for success at your chosen four-year college or university.

Delta College provides the first half (freshman and sophomore years) of many Baccalaureate degree programs. After completing your Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Fine Arts Degree at Delta College, you will, in most cases, be qualified to transfer to complete the second half (junior and senior years) of the Baccalaureate degree if you have planned carefully, followed the academic advising provided by Delta Counselors/Advisors, and successfully completed the required courses at the minimum grade level stated by the four-year college or university. It is particularly important for you, as a transfer student, to choose your four-year school in your freshman year because the preparation needed at Delta College to enter one transfer school may be different from the preparation and admission requirements at another school. Professional counselors are available at Delta College to assist you in choosing your college or university and helping plan your transfer program to fit that school.

Transfer Wizard (Review Credits Accepted at Delta College)

Transfer Wizard is a feature on the Delta College website that allows you to see how courses from colleges and universities transfer in to Delta. This does not replace the requirement that all students must send an official transcript to Delta College, but rather is intended to help students guide themselves in selecting courses at Delta College.

On the Web: https://apps.delta.edu/TransferWizard/

Michigan Transfer Network (Review Credit Transfer Options within Michigan)

The Michigan Transfer Network (MTN) is a centralized web-based system that allows any student who has completed a course at any Michigan college or university to find the equivalency for that course at any other Michigan college or university. New equivalencies are loaded to the MTN  regularly. If you don’t see the course you are looking for it does not mean you will not receive credit. (For transferring to Delta, all students must send an official transcript to Delta College for a course evaluation.)

On the Web: www.mitransfer.org

Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)

What is the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)?

The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) was designed to facilitate the transfer of general education requirements from one institution to another. Students may complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement as part of an Associate degree or as a stand-alone package at a Michigan community college.

How many courses must a student complete in order to earn the MTA at Delta College?

Students are required to complete at least one credit-bearing course at Delta College to be eligible. You may use transfer credits to complete the remainder of your MTA requirements. All courses used to satisfy the MTA must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0). Delta College reserves the right to determine which courses will be evaluated for transfer and used to satisfy MTA requirements.

Are students required to complete an associate degree in order to satisfy the MTA?

No, students are not required to complete a degree in order to earn the MTA. Students who have earned an Associate degree may later complete the MTA if desired. In addition, students can complete the MTA and complete the Associate degree later.

Do students need to be enrolled at Delta College in order to earn the MTA?

No, students do not have to be currently enrolled to request an MTA evaluation. If all requirements are met after the evaluation, the MTA will be issued.

Minimum Requirements Needed to Fulfill the MTA

Students must successfully complete a minimum of thirty (30) credits from course work in six defined areas (see below) with at least a grade of “C” 2.0 in each course.

Distribution Areas:

  • One Course in English Composition (ENG).*
  • A Second Course in English Composition (ENG) OR one Course in Communications (COM).*
  • Two courses in Social Sciences, from two disciplines.*
  • Two courses in Humanities and Fine Arts from two disciplines excluding studio and performance classes.*
  • Two Courses in Natural Science including one course with laboratory experience; two disciplines.*
  • One course in Mathematics.*

*For a list of approved courses, see Graduation Requirements  or consult with a counselor/advisor.

**Additional coursework may be required to satisfy the minimum thirty (30) credit hour requirement.

***For list of participating institutions and related policy related to the MTA, please visit: https://www.mitransfer.org/michigan-transfer-agreement

Students who complete the MTA agreement will have it noted on their official transcripts. It is expected that the receiving institution will honor the MTA if it is in the best interest of the student. It is advisable to consult with an admissions representative at your prospective transfer institution to ensure timely and efficient transfer and acceptance of all transfer credits.

Transferability of Delta Courses

Based upon information provided to Delta College from major Michigan public and private four-year universities, the transferability of courses between colleges/universities depends on:

  1. The college/university into which you transfer.
  2. Your program of study (program, or more specifically, the major and/or major and minors you are seeking).
  3. The grade you receive in the course. In general, a “C” or better is necessary; a “B” in “major” courses.
  4. Whether or not the transfer college/university has an equivalent course and if so, the number of credits acceptable for their course.
  5. The level of the course. For example, an intermediate algebra course may be acceptable for one program, but not for others that require higher levels of mathematics.

Delta College has relationships with many colleges and universities regarding their transfer requirements and program recommendations; however, if you wish to transfer credits from Delta to another college/university, it is your responsibility to be aware of that institution’s transfer policies and program requirements.

There is a limit to the number of credits you may transfer into a college or university. Generally, this is 62 credits, or half the total number of credits required for the Baccalaureate degree (always check with college/university).

You should maintain close contact with your counselor/advisor for all possible assistance in registering for the proper courses and maintaining the necessary level of academic performance. While Delta College will make every effort to give proper guidance, you are responsible for your own choices and for developing your own educational plan.

Evaluating Colleges

Transferring from one college/university to another is very common, but to make it a positive experience, you are encouraged to investigate colleges and universities and their degree requirements, plan ahead, and work closely with your Delta College counselor/advisor, especially in selecting the correct courses for your transfer program. Listed below are several important things to think about as you start evaluating various colleges and universities. You may investigate colleges in Michigan at www.mitransfer.org or www.macrao.org

The academic climate of the institution should be explored. Compare your background and abilities with those of the present students at that particular college or university. The transfer institution’s admissions staff and your Delta counselor/advisor can be very helpful in this regard. You  should carefully read each institution’s statement on admissions requirements to be certain you can meet them.

The program offerings of the various institutions need to be considered in your decision-making process. If you are interested in a specific field of study, you should look first at colleges and universities offering recognized and accredited programs in that area. Not all colleges/universities offer the same programs of study.

There are non-academic factors to consider also in making your college or university choice. How large is the student body? Is campus housing available? What is the nature of the community in which the school is located and how far is it from home? Does the institution provide the environment and opportunity for the types of extracurricular activities that you enjoy (e.g., sports, arts, student government)? Where and what types of jobs are their graduates getting and what type of placement services do they provide? Be sure to get answers to questions like these through visits to the campus, by looking at the catalog on the college/university’s homepage on the Internet, or by talking to current students at the college/university. This information can help you choose an institution that fits your personal interests.

Your investigation should also include a thorough review of the cost of the college or university being considered. Usually the basic educational expenses for an academic year can be determined from an institution’s current catalog. Then, add on amounts for such items as personal  expenses and room and board to come to a total that will realistically reflect your overall costs.

Last, but certainly not least, are the respective application procedures for admission and financial aid. You must submit all required admissions forms correctly and on time if you want full consideration. You must also submit all financial aid forms correctly and on time. The schools often make their decisions about admission and financial aid soon after the deadline. They must decide on the basis of the material that they have in hand, so it is to your advantage to be prompt and accurate. Many Michigan institutions charge an admissions application fee and all have specific deadline dates by which your application and other necessary credentials (required test scores, high school and college transcripts) must be received.

Transfer Degree Requirements

Each institution of higher education has its own requirements for admission, majors, general education, and so on. These requirements are stated in the college/university’s official catalog, bulletin, or on its website. Usually credits are defined as semester hours but some colleges and universities use the term or quarter hour system. To earn a Bachelor’s degree, you will generally be required to fulfill the following:

  • Credit requirements. Minimum number of credits, typically 120 to 130 semester credits for a Bachelor’s degree.
  • General Education requirements. Minimum number of credits earned in each of certain broad groups of courses, such as the humanities, the social sciences, the physical or natural sciences, and mathematics. Some institutions refer to these as distribution or core requirements.
  • Level requirements. Minimum number of credits earned in courses on such levels as introductory, intermediate, and advanced, or in specific numbered levels of courses such as 300 and 400, commonly referred to as junior and senior-level courses.
  • Major or concentration requirements. Minimum number of credits earned in a subject area of specialization (i.e., English, chemistry, business administration) for the degree. About one fourth of the total number of credits required for a degree must be in the major or field of concentration.
  • Minor requirements. Minimum number of credits earned in a second subject of concentration/specialization. Generally the number of credits required is about half to two-thirds required for a major. Not all degrees require you to declare a minor.
  • Residence requirements. Minimum number of credits earned in attendance at the institution which is granting the degree (as opposed to transfer credits earned at another college/university). This is not to be confused with residency which refers to where one lives.
  • Elective requirements. Minimum number of credits earned in optional courses that the student chooses.
  • Grade requirements. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of grades earned in all courses taken and often, in all courses taken in the major and/or minor. Some colleges and universities also require a minimum grade in specific courses.
  • Specific subject requirements. Examples include: freshman-level English composition; mathematics; science; two years of foreign language as demonstrated on a specified examination; and computer literacy.